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Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

33+

Years of Experience

3+

Reviews

About Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere is a world renowned bariatric and metabolic surgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience in Tijuana, Mexico. He is the Founder and Director of the Obesity Control Center® (OCC) and has established one of the most respected weight loss surgery hospitals in the world, serving patients from the US, Canada, Europe and Latin America. He is a graduate of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) with top honors, and was awarded the A.H. Robbins Award, which is presented by the President of Mexico to the country's best performing medical student.

Professional Background

  • Years of Practice: 25+ years
  • Clinic Established: 2004 (Obesity Control Center, Tijuana, Mexico)
  • Founder: Obesity Control Center® (OCC)
  • Procedures Performed: 15,000+ weight loss surgeries

Innovations & Contributions

  • Proprietary Techniques: First to perform a gastric bypass to rescue a failed procedure (now the worldwide standard for failed bypasses)
  • Research Contributions: Reported the largest number of adolescent bariatric patients, paving the way to FDA approval of weight loss surgery in teens
  • Notable Recognition: SRC-designated Surgeon of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery; one of very few surgeons to hold the Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery certificate; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS); youngest ever President of the National Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Mexico); has trained over 400 bariatric surgeons across the Americas.

Good to know

Speciality

Obesity/Bariatric SurgeryGeneral SurgeryLaparoscopic SurgeryWeight Loss ProgramPediatric TreatmentLaser Surgery

Language Spoken

EnglishSpanish

Awards

  • Double Board Certification (General & Bariatric)
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Master Surgeon in Bariatric Surgery

Medical Director and Founder

1998 - Present

Chief Executive Officer

2015 - Present

Professor of Surgery and Clinical Medicine

2000 - Present

All Procedures

Performed by Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery abroad covers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional weight loss procedures performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. These life-changing operations are not limited to weight reduction alone, they resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The cost factor drives most patients toward bariatric surgery abroad. A gastric sleeve that costs $18,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $8,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified bariatric surgeons and comprehensive pre- and post-operative programs. Leading international bariatric centers offer shorter waiting times, comprehensive nutritional and psychological evaluation, and dedicated aftercare support. Patients consistently report more structured preparation, individualized surgical planning, and thorough follow-up care than they received at home. The surgeon's bariatric certification and the program's aftercare structure are the most important factors to consider. Always confirm the program includes a dietitian, psychologist, and long-term follow-up plan for clarity with plan. Dietary compliance, supplementation adherence, and lifestyle changes after surgery are what ultimately determine long-term success.

General Surgery

General Surgery

General surgery abroad covers hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, thyroidectomy, colorectal surgery, and abdominal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These procedures address common surgical conditions with high precision, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery. General surgical costs vary greatly between countries. A [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery) cholecystectomy that costs $15,000 to $25,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified general surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international surgical centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, advanced laparoscopic and robotic capabilities, and streamlined pre-operative and post-operative care. Patients consistently report receiving more attentive surgical planning and recovery support than they experienced at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic experience and the hospital's accreditation are the most important factors. Confirm the surgeon's annual procedure volume and complication rates. Following postoperative wound care instructions, activity restrictions, and dietary guidelines directly influences recovery speed and long-term outcomes.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery abroad covers minimally invasive keyhole procedures for abdominal and pelvic conditions including cholecystectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy, bariatric surgery, and gynecologic operations. Small incisions, a high-definition camera, and precision instruments replace large open cuts, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. Laparoscopic surgical costs differ substantially between countries. A [laparoscopic procedure](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/fertility-treatment/laparoscopic-hysteroscopy-and-sonohysterography) that costs $15,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $2,500 to $7,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced laparoscopic surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international laparoscopic centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, single-incision surgical options, and structured same-day or next-day discharge protocols. Patients consistently report receiving more streamlined, efficient surgical experiences than they found at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic case volume and the hospital's minimally invasive surgical accreditation are the most critical factors. Confirm the surgeon regularly performs your specific [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery/laparoscopic-hiatal-hernia-repair-procedure) procedure. Following postoperative wound care, activity limitations, and dietary instructions directly influences healing and outcomes.

Weight Loss Program

Weight Loss Program

Medical weight loss programs abroad offer medically supervised, evidence-based weight management combining nutritional therapy, GLP-1 pharmacotherapy, behavioral coaching, exercise medicine, and body composition monitoring. Programs are designed for sustainable, healthy weight loss — not short-term dieting — and address the metabolic and psychological drivers of obesity. Comprehensive medical weight loss care is expensive and fragmented in many countries. A medically supervised weight loss program that costs $8,000 to $20,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $6,000 abroad at equally qualified medical wellness centers with physicians, dietitians, and behavioral coaches. Leading international medical [weight loss](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/obesity-bariatric-surgery/weight-loss-medications) centers offer thorough metabolic and hormonal assessment, personalized nutrition and pharmacotherapy plans, and structured exercise programs with ongoing monitoring. Patients consistently report more individualized, science-based weight management than they found through commercial slimming programs at home. The physician's expertise in metabolic medicine and the program's long-term support structure are the most important factors. Confirm the program includes a clinical dietitian and behavioral health support. Sustained lifestyle changes in eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management are the essential foundation for maintaining weight loss results long-term.

Pediatric Treatment

Pediatric Treatment

Pediatric treatment abroad provides specialized medical and surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents including pediatric cardiac surgery, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and neonatology at internationally accredited children's hospitals. Child-friendly environments and family-centered care models support both patients and their caregivers throughout treatment. Specialized [pediatric care](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/pediatric-treatment/united-states) is often unavailable or unaffordable in many countries. Complex pediatric surgeries that cost $50,000 to $150,000 at home may be available for $8,000 to $30,000 abroad at equally accredited children's hospitals with fellowship-trained pediatric subspecialists. [Leading international pediatric centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer multidisciplinary pediatric teams, family accommodation support, and international patient coordinators experienced in managing the logistical and emotional needs of overseas families. Parents consistently report receiving more accessible specialist care and more thorough communication than they experienced at home. The pediatric subspecialist's training and the hospital's NICU and pediatric ICU capabilities are the most critical factors. Confirm your child's treating physician is fellowship-trained in the specific pediatric specialty. Family involvement in care, nutritional support, and psychological preparation for procedures significantly impacts pediatric recovery outcomes.

Laser Surgery

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery abroad covers precision laser procedures across ophthalmology, dermatology, urology, ENT, and gynecology, including LASIK, fractional skin resurfacing, HoLEP laser [prostatectomy](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/urology/prostatectomy/united-states), and endovenous laser vein ablation. Advanced laser platforms deliver bloodless, scar-minimizing results across a wide range of clinical indications. [Laser surgery costs[(https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/how-much-is-laser-eye-surgery-cost-prices-factors-worth-it) vary considerably between countries. A fractional CO2 skin resurfacing session that costs $2,000 to $4,000 at home may be available for $400 to $1,200 abroad at equally equipped dermatology or aesthetic medicine centers with experienced laser surgeons. Leading international laser surgery centers offer comprehensive pre-treatment assessments, customized laser parameters, and thorough post-treatment care plans. Patients consistently report receiving more detailed consultations and better-documented treatment protocols than they found at home. The surgeon's laser experience and the generation of the laser platform are the most important factors. Always confirm the specific device model and your surgeon's case volume with that particular system. Sun protection, post-treatment [skincare](https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/top-skin-tightening-procedures) compliance, and follow-up appointments are critical for optimal outcomes and complication avoidance.

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For Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

33+ years of experiencePrimary speciality - Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Ariel Ortiz Lagardere has been practicing medicine since 1998, giving them over 27 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Founder & Medical Director and have built a focused career in founder & medical director, obesity control center.

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

You can request a consultation with Ariel Ortiz Lagardere through CureMeAbroad by submitting your details. Video consultations are available for international patients before travel through CureMeAbroad.

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Dr. Ariel Ortiz Lagardere

Bariatric surgery with Ariel Ortiz Lagardere typically costs 50-70% less than equivalent procedures in the US or UK. The final price depends on the procedure type (sleeve, bypass, or mini bypass), length of hospital stay, and pre-surgical workup. CureMeAbroad can provide a detailed quote after reviewing your medical profile.

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